The US Government has announced funding worth $1.4 billion (£0.9m) to improve the delivery of electricity to rural communities.

It includes $106 million (£66m) to install smart grid technologies and $3 million (£1.9m) for renewable energy systems, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

A total of 21 states will benefit from the funding, including North Carolina, Iowa, Georgia and Montana.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said: “With the help of investments such as these from USDA, rural electric utilities have delivered reliable and affordable electricity for nearly 80 years. Upgrading the electric grid will bring jobs and increased economic opportunities to rural communities.”